KR100898849B1 - Method and apparatus for gifting over a data network - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of operating a first terminal to provide a content giveaway to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a giveaway server. The method includes receiving a catalog request from a first terminal for a catalog that identifies content that is compatible with the second terminal. The method also includes receiving the catalog and sending the catalog to the first terminal. The method also includes receiving a premium request from the first terminal requesting a content premium selected from the content identified in the catalog provided to the second terminal and providing the content premium to the second terminal.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GIFTING OVER A DATA NETWORK}

The present invention relates generally to the operation of a data network, in particular to methods and apparatus for providing a content gift in a data network.

Advances in technology have led to the construction of vast data networks. These networks include public data networks such as the Internet, and specialized networks such as wireless telecommunication networks. Users of these networks have the ability to access various information and services available as network resources.

One area where data networks have become particularly useful is the area of downloadable content. Typically, such content includes executable program files, applications, image or multimedia files, data, meta-data, or any other type of file or content that provides information or bookkeeping functionality to the device. For example, a downloadable application may provide a device user with a real-time display of information such as news or traffic conditions, provide production functions such as personal organizers, or provide entertainment through various online or offline games.

There is a growing demand for downloadable content in wireless network environments. In a wireless environment, various wireless devices such as wireless telephones and personal digital assistants communicate over a wireless network. The wireless network includes network servers that operate to provide network services and resources to the devices. In addition, the wireless network can be connected to a public network (ie, the Internet), so that servers on the public network can provide services to wireless devices.

Typically, a wireless device downloads content over the air from the network. For example, the content may be an application that is purchased or downloaded free of charge by a user of a wireless device that has effectively obtained the right to use the application in an unlimited manner, in a flat-rate fashion or in a usage counting scheme based on an expiration period.

It is desirable to increase the amount of content gifts to be provided to specific network terminals. For example, a user of a first network terminal may wish to offer a content giveaway to a user of a second network terminal. The content giveaway includes any type of file, data or information that can be downloaded and used on the second network terminal. Typically, the user of the first terminal pays any cost associated with the content giveaway. For example, the content giveaway may be a downloadable application that the first user finds particularly useful or productive, or the content giveaway may simply be the content that the second user wants to have.

Unfortunately, current systems operate to perform when a giveaway-provider offers a content giveaway without knowing whether the content giveaway is compatible with the give-receive terminal. For example, an application may operate properly on the giver-provider terminal, but the same application may not operate properly on the give-receive terminal because hardware or software are not compatible. In addition, the user of the prize-receiving terminal may have previously purchased the same application, resulting in a duplicate application on the prize-receiving terminal. Thus, the prize-provider does not have a way to know which content is compatible with the prize-receiving terminal or which content is purchased in advance for use on the terminal.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system that allows content giveaways to be provided to giveaway-receiving terminals in a data network, where the content giveaways are known to be compatible with the giveaway-receiving terminals. The system also allows the giveaway-provider to predetermine whether the intended content giveaway currently exists on the giveaway-receiving terminal. As a result, such a system avoids compatibility issues and potential duplicate purchases associated with existing systems.

In one or more embodiments, a giveaway system is provided that includes a method and apparatus for causing a content product to be presented to a give-receive terminal in a data network. In one embodiment, the giveaway-provider selects a content giveaway from a catalog that includes a list of content known to be compatible with the giveaway-receiving terminal. The catalog may also describe the content currently present on the give-receive terminal so that duplication can be avoided.

In one embodiment, the prize-provider requests a catalog from a server (or prize server) operating on a data network. The request includes an identifier that identifies the prize-receiving terminal. For example, if the prize-receiving terminal is a radiotelephone, the prize server designates the telephone number of the prize-receiving terminal in request for a catalog of compatible content sent to the prize-server. Because of security and confidentiality importance, additional security codes may be required in catalog requests. The prize-server responds to the request by compiling a description of the content compatible with the prize-receiving terminal and sending it to the prize-provider. The prize-provider then selects one or more content items from the catalog as content prizes to be presented to the prize-receiving terminal. Since the content giveaway is selected from a list of content known to be compatible with the giveaway-receiving terminal, the system operates to expand the view of the giver-provider to see how it operates on another user's terminal. Thus, terminal compatibility and content duplication issues are resolved before the prize is offered.

In one or more embodiments, the giveaway-provider may use one of several methods to offer a content giveaway. For example, the prize-provider may operate a terminal similar to the prize-receiving terminal on the same data network. In another embodiment, the prize provider may offer content prizes using other means of accessing the prize-server associated with the prize-recipient. For example, the giveaway-provider may use a web page associated with the giveaway-server to view the catalog and select content giveaways. Thus, the content giveaway can originate from a wired or wireless device, a fixed computer device such as a personal computer, or any other device that accesses the giveaway-server associated with the giveaway-receiving terminal.

In one embodiment, the giveaway system causes the target content to appear in the catalog. For example, the give-receiver may be a member of a financial institution, and the give-server compiles the catalog to include compatible content targeted at the financial institution. Thus, the prize-provider may select the content prize from the target information compatible with the prize-receiving terminal.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for operating a server such that a first terminal provides content prizes to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with the server. The method includes receiving a catalog request from a first terminal for a catalog identifying content compatible with a second terminal. The method also includes creating a catalog and sending the catalog to the first terminal. The method also includes receiving a giveaway request from the first terminal requesting that the selected content giveaway from the content identified in the catalog be provided to the second terminal, and providing the content giveaway to the second terminal.

In one embodiment there is provided an apparatus for operating a server that allows a first terminal to offer content prizes to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with the server. The apparatus includes a catalog request receiver that receives a catalog request from a first terminal for a catalog that identifies content compatible with a second terminal and a database that generates the catalog. The apparatus also includes a catalog transmitter for transmitting to the first terminal to the catalog. The apparatus also includes a giveaway receiver that receives a giveaway request from the first terminal requesting that a selected content giveaway from the content identified in the catalog be provided to the second terminal, and logic to provide the content giveaway to the second terminal.

In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions that when executed by a processor of a server operate a first terminal to provide content giveaway to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals are optional with the server. Communicate with The computer-readable medium includes instructions for receiving a catalog request from a first terminal for a catalog that identifies content compatible with a second terminal, and instructions for creating a catalog. The computer-readable medium also includes instructions for sending the catalog to the first terminal. The computer-readable medium includes instructions for receiving a premium request from the first terminal requesting that a content premium selected from the content identified in the catalog be provided to the second terminal, and instructions for providing the content premium to the second terminal. do.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for operating a first terminal to provide content prizes to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a prize server. The method includes sending a catalog request to the giveaway server to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal. The method also includes receiving a catalog and selecting a content giveaway from the catalog. The method also includes sending a prize request to the prize server requesting a content prize to be provided to the second terminal.

In one embodiment there is provided an apparatus for use in a first terminal to provide content prizes to a second terminal, where the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a server. The apparatus includes a catalog request transmitter operative to send a catalog request to a server to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal. The apparatus also includes a catalog receiver operative to receive the catalog and selection logic operative to select content premiums from the catalog. The apparatus also includes a prize request transmitter operative to send a prize request to a server requesting a content prize to be provided to a second terminal.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for use in a first terminal to provide content prizes to a second terminal is provided, where the first and second terminals are selectively communicated with a server. The apparatus includes means for sending a catalog request to a server to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal, and means for receiving the catalog. The apparatus includes means for selecting a content giveaway from a catalog, and means for sending a give request to a server requesting a content giveaway provided to the second terminal.

In one embodiment there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions operative to provide a content giveaway to a second terminal when executed by a processor of the terminal, the first and second terminals selectively communicating with a server. The computer-readable medium includes instructions for sending a catalog request to the prize server to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal. The computer-readable medium includes instructions for receiving a catalog and instructions for selecting a content premium from the catalog. The computer-readable medium includes instructions for sending a prize request to a prize server requesting a content prize provided to the second terminal.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for operating a first terminal that provides content premiums to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with each other via a data network. The method includes sending a catalog request to a second terminal to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal. The method also includes receiving a catalog, selecting a content giveaway from the catalog, and sending a give request to a giveaway server, where the giveaway server provides the content giveaway to the second terminal.

Other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more and more apparent upon review of the brief description of the drawings, the detailed description of the invention, and the claims.

The following aspects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become more apparent upon reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

1 illustrates an embodiment of a giveaway system that allows content giveaways to be provided to a terminal in a data network.

2 is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a server for use in one embodiment of a giveaway system.

3 illustrates one embodiment of a method used in a server to provide one embodiment of a giveaway system.

4 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a terminal device used in an embodiment of a giveaway system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a method used in a terminal device to provide an embodiment of a giveaway system. FIG.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a catalog for use in one or more embodiments of the giveaway system.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a method used in a terminal device to provide one embodiment of a giveaway system using peer-to-peer communication. FIG.

The following detailed description describes one or more embodiments of a giveaway system that includes methods and apparatuses for allowing a user of a first terminal of a data network to offer a content giveaway to a user of a second terminal in a network. In one embodiment, the giveaway system assembles a catalog of content compatible with the second terminal and delivering the catalog to the first terminal. The user of the first terminal selects a particular content giveaway to be provided to the second terminal. The selected giveaway is sent to the giveaway server operative to provide the selected content giveaway to the second terminal. The user of the first terminal pays for the content giveaway. The first and second terminals include, but are not limited to, desktop computers, notebook computers, cordless phones, papers, PDAs, email devices, tablet computers, or other types of wired or wireless devices. ) Can be any type of wired or wireless terminals.

In one or more embodiments, the giveaway systems interact with runtime environments executing on a device, for example, used to simplify the operation of the device by providing general calls to specific resources of the device. One such runtime environment is the Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless® (BREW ^™ ) software platform, developed by Wekcom, Inc., located in San Diego, California. In the following description it is assumed that one embodiment of the giveaway system is implemented using a wireless device running a runtime environment, such as the BREW software platform. However, one or more systems of the giveaway system are suitable for use with other types of runtime environments for providing content giveaways to wired and wireless devices. In addition, the term “content” is rendered or processed on any type of application, multimedia file, image file, executable, program, web page, script, document, presentation, message, data, meta-data or device, or It is used herein to describe any other type of content or information that can be executed.

1 illustrates one embodiment of a giveaway system 100 that allows a giveaway to be provided to terminals in a data network. System 100 includes a first wireless terminal 102 in communication with a data network 104 via a wireless communication channel 106. Data network 104 includes any type of data network that may include (but is not limited to) a wired, wireless, private or public data network or any combination thereof.

The system 100 is a server 108 (also referred to as a “gift-server”) connected to the network 104 via a communication channel 102 to provide services to devices in communication with the network 104. Include. For example, wireless terminal 102 may be part of a nationwide telecommunications network that provides telecommunication services to telephones. The communication channel 120 may be any type of wired or wireless communication channel.

The second terminal 110 also communicates with the network 104. Terminal 110 communicates with data network 104 via wireless communication channel 122. Terminal 110 may be any type of wireless device.

In one embodiment, server 108 includes a database 112 and downloadable content 114. The database 112 includes information about the operation of the data network 104 and information about terminal devices supported by the server 108. For example, database 112 includes information about hardware and software configurations for terminals 102 and 110. Thus, the database 112 includes identification information and configuration information for network terminals.

The content 114 includes any type of application, executable, image file, multimedia file, data file, or any other type of content file. Content 114 may include a particular type of device or applications that are specific for the content that may operate on various devices. The files included in the content 114 have associated identifiers that can be used to identify each file.

In one embodiment, the giveaway system operates so that the user of the first terminal 102 can provide content giveaways to the user of the second terminal 110. For example, the content giveaway may include one or more applications, programs, executable, data files, content files, or any other available files selected from the content 14. Since the prize is selected from the catalog of compatible content, the selected content prize is compatible with the terminal 110. In one or more embodiments, the giveaway system 100 operates to provide content giveaways by performing one or more of the following steps.

Terminal 102 sends a request to server 108 (illustrated by path 124) to receive a catalog of content files compatible with terminal 110. The requests include an identifier that identifies the terminal 110 and any authentication information that may be needed by the server 108 to verify the request.

The server 108 receives and validates the request and uses the identifier to compile a list of content files compatible with the terminal 110. For example, server 108 may search the database 112 using the identifier to determine the configuration of terminal 110 and may be compatible with content files from available content 114.

Server 108 sends a catalog 116 of compatible content files to terminal 102 (illustrated by path 126). For example, the catalog 116 includes a list of identifiers that identify content files compatible with the hardware / software of the terminal 1210. For example, the catalog 116 identifies three applications that are compatible with the terminal 110. The catalog may indicate whether the terminal 110 already owns any content files.

The user of the terminal 102 selects one or more content files from the received catalog 116 that are content giveaways and sends a giveaway request to the server 108 including the selection of the content giveaways (shown by path 128). being).

The server 108 receives and authenticates the prize request and updates the database 112 to indicate whether the terminal 110 has offered a content prize. The server 108 may update its records to inform the user of the terminal 120 that the selected content giveaway will pay the associated cost.

When communication is established between the server 108 and the terminal 110, the content giveaway 118 is sent to the terminal 110 (shown by the path 130). The user of the terminal 110 may use the information giveaway 118 because the content giveaway 118 is known to be compatible with the terminal 110.

For this purpose, the entities transmitting the above-described information are properly qualified using any type of known credentials or authentication techniques such that any receiving device is receiving information from a trusted source. It can be assumed that it can be verified.

In one or more embodiments, server 108, terminal 102, and terminal 110 can be any type of devices, and associated connections to data network 104 can be wireless, wired, or a combination thereof. have. Thus, embodiments of the giveaway system can be implemented using any network configuration with various servers and terminals that operate to provide the functions of the giveaway system described herein.

In one or more embodiments, the giveaway system utilizes one or more security techniques to provide security and / or secrets during the giveaway process. For example, in one embodiment, the prize-server requires secret security codes from the prize-provider before processing the catalog request. The security codes may include an identifier, a PIN number or other security code of the prize-receiver or any other type of security information so that the prize-receiver's security and secrecy can be maintained. Thus, the prize-provider must provide appropriate authentication to the prize-server before receiving personal information about the prize-receiving terminal or its user.

In another embodiment, the giveaway system 100 operates to give a giveaway to a terminal in a data network using a peer-to-peer transaction. For example, the terminals 102, 110 can communicate with each other such that the terminal 102 provides a content giveaway to the terminal 110. In one embodiment, the giveaway system 100 is operative to allow the terminal 102 to peer-to-peer communication with the terminal 110 to provide content giveaways by performing one or more of the following steps.

Terminal 102 sends a request to terminal 110 to receive a catalog of content files compatible with terminal 110 (illustrated by path 130). The request includes any required authentication information so that a catalog of information is obtained by the terminal 102.

Terminal 110 receives and validates the request and compiles a list of content files compatible with terminal 110. For example, the terminal may already know which content is compileable or may be server 108 that determines which content is compileable.

Terminal 110 sends a catalog 116 of compatible content files to terminal 102 (shown at path 132). For example, catalog 116 includes a list of identifiers that identify content files that are compatible with hardware / software of terminal 110. For example, the catalog 116 identifies applications that are compatible with the terminal 110.

The user of the terminal 102 selects one or more content files from the received catalog 116 that are content giveaways and sends a giveaway request to the server 108 that includes the selection of the content giveaway (shown by path 128). In another embodiment, the terminal 102 already has a content giveaway as part of the content 136 and no giveaway requests are sent to the server 108.

If the server 108 receives the prize request, the server authenticates the prize request and updates the database 112 to indicate that the terminal 110 has received the content prize. The server 108 may also update its records to indicate that the user of the terminal 102 will pay the cost associated with the selected content giveaway. If the terminal 102 already has a content giveaway as part of the content 136, the terminal 102 sends the content giveaway to the terminal 102 as shown by the path 134.

Accordingly, the terminals 102, 110 may communicate in a peer-to-peer format such that the terminal 102 provides a content giveaway to the terminal 110.

2 shows a functional diagram of one embodiment of a server 108 for use in one or more embodiments of the giveaway system. Server 108 includes a database 112 and content 114. The server 108 includes a catalog request receiver 202, a catalog transmitter 204 and a prize request receiver 206. Server 108 includes verification logic 208, 210 and login logic 212.

Database 112 includes information about network terminals, such as terminal identifiers and associated software and hardware configuration information. The content 114 includes any type of application, executable, program file or other type of content file that can be processed by the terminal device.

In one embodiment, catalog request receiver 202, catalog transmitter 204 and giveaway receiver 206 include a processor, CPU, gate array, logic, software, or any combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, processor execution instructions provide the functions of receiver 202, transmitter 204, and receiver 206.

In one or more embodiments, server 108 generally includes logic to execute machine-readable instructions to perform the functions described herein. For example, instructions may be loaded into the server 108 from a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk, CDROM, flash memory, or other computer-readable medium that interfaces with the server 108. In other embodiments, the instructions may be downloaded to the server 108 from a network resource, such as a network server or any other type of network resource that interfaces with the server 108. The instructions, when executed by the server 108, provide one or more embodiments of the giveaway system as described herein.

The catalog request receiver 202 operates to receive a request for a catalog that includes a list of identifiers that identify one or more content files of the content 114. The communication channel 214 connects the receiver 202 to external devices or systems. For example, channel 214 may be a network connection that connects receiver 202 to the data network to receive catalog requests. In one or more embodiments, the channel 214 may be any type of communication channel that operates to connect the receiver 202 to other devices.

The catalog transmitter 204 is operative to send the catalog to an external device or system. The communication channel 216 connects the transmitter 204 to external devices or systems. For example, channel 216 may be a network connection that connects transmitter 202 to a data network to send catalogs to other devices. In one or more embodiments, channel 216 may be any type of communication channel that operates to connect transmitter 204 to other devices.

The prize request receiver 206 is operative to receive prize requests from external devices or systems. The prize requests identify content prizes to be provided to the identified terminal. For example, the database 112 includes information about terminals served by the server 108. The communication channel 218 connects the receiver 206 to external devices or systems. For example, channel 218 may be a network connection that connects receiver 206 to a data network to receive sweepstakes requests. In one or more embodiments, the channel 218 can be any type of communication channel that operates to connect the receiver 206 to other devices.

The login logic 212 is operative to process login input received from one or more terminals served by the server 108. For example, the server may be part of a data network and operates to provide network services to multiple terminal devices. The login logic 212 uses the communication channel 220 to communicate with various terminals. For example, channel 220 may be a network connection that connects login logic 212 to a data network to communicate with various terminals. In one or more embodiments, channel 220 may be any type of communication channel that operates to connect login logic 212 to other devices.

In one embodiment, the login logic 212 operates to communicate with the give-receive terminal to determine which content is owned by the terminal. For example, the prize-receiving terminal may independently acquire the intended content prize and this information may be found by the login logic 212. For example, login logic 212 queries the prize-receiving terminal for content it owns over channel 220. In one embodiment, if logic 212 finds that the prize-receiving terminal independently acquired the intended content prize, the logic 212 operates to end the prize. In this case, the giveaway terminal will be refunded any costs associated with the intended giveaway, and a notification message will be sent to the giveaway terminal indicating that the content giveaway was not provided to the second terminal. Thus, it may be possible to prevent the giveaway system from providing a content giveaway that overlaps with content owned by the give-receive terminal.

In one embodiment, the communication channels 214, 216, 218, 220 are independent channels. In another embodiment, the channels 214, 216, 218, 220 are the same channel. Channels 214, 216, 218, 220 may include any type of wired or wireless or a combination thereof. Thus, any configuration can be used to allow functional elements of the server 108 to communicate with external devices or systems.

It should be noted that server 108 describes one embodiment and that other server configurations may provide the functions described herein. For example, functional elements of server 108 may be combined, rearranged, changed, added, or deleted within the scope of the described embodiments.

3 illustrates an embodiment of a method 300 for use within a server to provide one embodiment of a giveaway system. For simplicity, the operation of method 300 will be described with respect to server 108 shown in FIG.

At block 302, a catalog request is received at the server. For example, the terminal communicates with the server 108 over the channel 214 to request a catalog of content compatible with the give-receive terminal. The request includes information for identifying the requesting terminal and the prize-receiving terminal.

In block 304, the catalog request is verified. For example, the verification logic 208 operates to verify whether the requesting terminal is authorized to request a catalog and to receive personal information about the giveaway-receiving terminal. Any type of authorization and / or verification technique can be used to verify the request.

At block 306, the request is used to compile a catalog that identifies content that is compatible with the prize-receiving terminal. For example, the request is sent from the verification logic 208 to the database 112, where the identifier of the give-receive terminal is used to assemble a catalog identifying compatible content. For example, the database includes hardware and software configuration information for the prize-receiving terminal. The configuration information is used to determine which files included in the content 114 are compatible with the prize-receiving terminal. In one embodiment, the catalog includes information about content currently owned by the prize-receiving terminal.

At block 306, the listing identifying all compatible content is assembled into a catalog file, which may have a file format of the appropriate type. The catalog file may include any other information related to the operation or configuration of the prize-receiving terminal. For example, the catalog file may include information about current content and licenses associated with the give-receive terminal.

At block 310, the assembled catalog is sent to the give-out terminal that requested the catalog. For example, a compiled catalog of compatible content is sent from the database 112 to the catalog transmitter 216, which sends the catalog to the give-off terminal via the communication channel 216.

At block 312, the prize request is received at the server 108. For example, the prize request receiver 206 receives the prize request over the channel 218. In one embodiment, the terminal selecting one or more compatible content files that receive a catalog and provide it as a prize to another terminal generates the prize request. The prize request includes information identifying the prize-providing terminal, the content prize and the prize-receiving terminal.

At block 314, the server verifies the prize request. For example, the verification logic 210 operates to verify that the requesting terminal is authorized to request a prize. Any type of authentication and / or verification technique can be used to verify the request.

At block 314, the server verifies the prize request. For example, the verification logic 210 operates to verify whether the requesting terminal is authorized to request a prize. Any type of authentication and / or verification technique can be used to verify the request.

At block 318, the server establishes communication with the give-receive terminal. For example, in one embodiment, the communication is established when the light-receiving terminal logs in login logic 212 over channel 220. Communication with the prize-receiving terminal may be established in any other manner. For example, server 108 may initiate communication with the prize-receiving terminal.

In block 320, a test is performed to see whether the prize-receiving terminal has previously acquired the content prize. In one embodiment, the giveaway server 108 contacts the give-receive terminal 110 to determine whether the content giveaway already exists on the give-receive terminal 110. For example, during the time that the prize-providing terminal 102 processes the catalog to select a content prize, the prize-receiving terminal acquires the selected content prize by any other means. For example, the prize-receiving terminal purchases the content independently. If the prize-receiving terminal already has content, a prize of the same content will cause duplicate content on the prize-receiving terminal. It is desirable to prevent this duplication situation. Thus, if the give-receive terminal already has the selected content, the method proceeds to block 322 and if the selected content does not already exist on the give-receive terminal, the method proceeds to block 324.

In block 322 it is determined if a content giveaway already exists at the give-receive terminal and a refund will be provided to the give-off terminal. For example, the database on the prize-server is updated to reflect that no prize is offered so that no charge is given to the prize-providing terminal. In one embodiment, a notification is sent to the giveaway-providing terminal notifying the terminal that the content giveaway is not provided to prevent content redundancy on the give-receive terminal. It is also possible to send a notification to the give-receive terminal that the content giveaway is returned because of the duplicate content.

In block 324 the giveaway-receiving terminal does not own the content giveaway in advance, so the content giveaway is sent to the give-receive terminal. For example, in one embodiment, the selected content giveaway is retrieved from the content 114 by the login logic 212 and sent to the give-receive terminal via the channel 220. Any other technique may be used to send the content giveaway to the give-receive terminal.

Thus, the method 300 operates to provide content prizes in a data network. The method 300 is one suitable method and it is possible to rearrange, change, combine, or delete method steps within the scope of the described embodiments.

4 shows a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a terminal 102 used in one embodiment of a giveaway system. Terminal 102 includes a catalog request transmitter 402, a catalog receiver 404, a prize request transmitter 406, and selection logic 408.

In one embodiment, catalog request transmitter 402, catalog receiver 404, giveaway request transmitter 406 and selection logic 408 include a processor, CPU, gate array, logic, software or any combination thereof. do. For example, in one embodiment, processor execution program instructions may provide functions for some or all of receiver transmitter 402, receiver 404, transmitter 406, and selection logic 408.

In one or more embodiments, terminal 102 generally includes logic to execute machine-readable instructions to perform the functions described herein. For example, instructions may be loaded into terminal 102 from a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk, CDROM, flash memory, or other computer-readable medium that interfaces with terminal 102. In other embodiments, the instructions may be downloaded to the terminal 102 from a network resource, such as a network server or any other type of network resource that interfaces with the terminal 102. The instructions provide one or more embodiments of the giveaway system described herein when executed by terminal 102.

The catalog request transmitter 402 is operative to send a catalog request to a giveaway server such as server 108. In one embodiment, the transmitter 402 receives information from the user input 410. User input 410 allows a user of terminal 102 to enter information used as part of a catalog request. The information includes an identifier identifying the prize-receiving terminal. The catalog request is sent over a communication channel 412 to communicate with the prize server.

The catalog receiver 404 is operative to receive a catalog from the prize server. The catalog includes a content identification list compatible with the selected prize receiving terminal. The catalog receiver 404 communicates with the giveaway server via the communication channel 414.

The selection logic 408 receives the catalog from the catalog receiver and displays it to the terminal user. The user can then select one or more content giveaways (using user input 410) that are giveaway-receiving terminals.

The selections are sent to the prize request transmitter 406 which sends a prize request to the prize server via the communication channel 416. In one embodiment, the prize request transmitter includes logic to receive a notification that the prize is not offered to the prize-receiving terminal because the selected content prize is already owned by the prize-receiving terminal. For example, while the prize-providing terminal selects the content prize from the catalog, the prize-receiving terminal acquires the selected content prize by any other means. For example, the prize-receiving terminal obtains the selected content prize through an independent purchase. Thus, the prize server will not provide content prizes to the prize-receiving terminal in order to prevent duplicate content on the prize-receiving terminal. In one embodiment, the giveaway server sends a notification message where the content giveaway is not sent to prevent duplicate content situations. The notification message is received by the logic at the prize request transmitter 406 for further processing at the prize-providing terminal.

In one embodiment, communication channels 412, 414, 416 are independent channels. In another embodiment, the channels 412, 414, 416 are the same channel. Channels 412, 414, 416 may include any type of wired, wireless channel, or a combination thereof. Thus, any configuration can be used to allow functional elements of terminal 102 to communicate with external devices or systems.

It should be noted that the terminal 102 describes one suitable embodiment and that other server configurations may provide the functions described herein. For example, it is possible for functional elements of terminal 102 to be combined, rearranged, changed, added, or deleted within the scope of the described embodiments.

5 illustrates one embodiment of a method 500 used in a terminal device to provide one embodiment of a giveaway system. For example, the method 500 is suitable for use with the terminal 102 shown in FIG. Thus, for the sake of clarity, the following detailed description of the method 500 includes references relating to the terminal 102 of FIG. 4.

In block 502 a catalog is requested that identifies content compatible with the give-receive terminal. For example, a user of terminal 102 provides user input to transmitter 402 via input 410. The user input includes information that includes an identifier that identifies the prize-receiving terminal. The information is used to generate a catalog request sent by the prize server over the communication channel 412.

At block 504, the terminal receives a catalog identifying content compatible with the give-off terminal. For example, the prize server receives the catalog request and compiles a list of content compatible with the prize-receiving terminal after the verification process. This list is used to generate a catalog that is sent to terminal 102 and received by channel receiver 404 on channel 414.

At block 506, the user of the terminal selects one or more content giveaways from the catalog to be provided to the giveaway-receiving terminal. For example, the received catalog is provided to the selection logic 408 and then displayed to the terminal user. The terminal user selects the appropriate content giveaways from the catalog via user input 410.

At block 508, the prize request is sent from the terminal 102 to the prize server. The prize request includes one or more identifiers that identify the content prizes selected to be provided to the prize-receiving terminal identified in the request. For example, a user selects content prizes from a catalog to present as prizes to a prize-receiving terminal. The selections are incorporated into the prize request sent from the transmitter 406 to the prize server. When the prize server receives the prize request, the content prizes are provided to the prize-receiving terminal, and the prize-providing terminal 102 pays any cost associated with the content prizes.

The method 500 is described by way of example and without restricting operation to the various embodiments described herein. For example, those skilled in the art can make small changes, additions, or deletions to some of the described method steps. In addition, the described method steps may be combined, rearranged, or rearranged without departing from the scope of the described embodiments.

6 illustrates one embodiment of a catalog 600 for use in one or more embodiments of a giveaway system. In one embodiment, the catalog is prepared by the prize server in response to a catalog request received from the prize-providing terminal. The catalog 600 includes a header section 602 that identifies the give-receive terminal. The catalog 600 includes an active content section 604, a compatible content section 608, and a target content section 610.

The active content section 604 shows the content currently owned by the give-receive terminal. The active content is owned or licensed by the prize-receiving terminal, and the existing license information is provided in step 606.

Compatible content section 608 shows content that is compatible with the give-off terminal. For example, the giveaway-provider may select content giveaways from various categories such as entertainment, news, finance or games.

Target content section 610 shows the targeted content for the give-receive terminal. For example, if the give-receive terminal is a member of a financial institution, the target content may be the content shown in section 610.

Thus, the catalog 600 may be used in one embodiment of a giveaway system that allows content giveaways to be provided to a giveaway-receiving terminal. It should be noted that the catalog 600 describes one suitable embodiment and that other embodiments for the catalog may be used with one or more embodiments of the giveaway system.

7 illustrates one embodiment of a method 700 used in a terminal device to provide one embodiment of a giveaway system using peer-to-peer communication. For example, the method 700 is suitable for use with the terminal 102 described in FIG. 4. Thus, for the sake of clarity, the following detailed description of the method 700 includes additional reference to the terminal 102 of FIG. 4.

In block 702 a catalog is requested that identifies content compatible with the give-receive terminal. For example, a user of terminal 102 provides user input to transmitter 402 via input 410. The user input includes information that includes an identifier that identifies the prize-receiving terminal 110. The information is used to generate a catalog request sent by the transmitter 402 to the give-receive terminal 110 by using peer-to-peer communication, such as by using the communication channel 412.

At block 704, the terminal receives a catalog identifying content compatible with the give-receive terminal. For example, terminal 110 receives the catalog request and compiles a list of compatible content after the verification process. In one embodiment, information about compatible content is available at the terminal 110. In another embodiment, terminal 110 requests information about compatible content from a giveaway server, such as server 108. Information about compatible content is used to generate a catalog transmitted from terminal 110 to terminal 102 or received by catalog receiver 404 via channel 414.

At block 706, the user of the give-off terminal selects one or more content giveaways from the catalog to be provided to the give-receive terminal. For example, the received catalog is displayed to the terminal user after being provided to the selection logic 408. The terminal user selects the appropriate content giveaways from the catalog via user input 410.

In one embodiment, the method 700 proceeds to block 708 where a prize request is sent from the terminal 102 to the prize server. The prize request includes one or more identifiers that identify the content prizes selected to be provided to the prize-receiving terminal identified in the request. For example, a user selects content prizes from a catalog to give prizes to a prize-receiving terminal. The selection is incorporated into the prize request sent from the transmitter 406 to the prize server 108. When the prize server receives the prize request, the content prizes are provided to the prize-receiving terminal 110, and the prize-providing terminal 102 pays any cost associated with the content prizes.

In another embodiment, the method proceeds to block 710 where the prize-providing terminal 102 sends the content prize directly to the prize-receiving terminal 110. For example, using peer-to-peer communication, content giveaways placed on terminal 102 are sent to giveaway-receiving terminal 110.

Thus, the giveaway system can provide content giveaways to terminals of a data network using various methods of creating a catalog of compatible content and sending selected content giveaways from one of several sources.

Thus, although one or more embodiments of methods and apparatuses for providing prizes in a data network have been described herein, it should be appreciated that modifications to the embodiments may be possible without departing from their spirit and essential features. Accordingly, the description set forth herein is exemplary and does not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims below.

Claims (79)

A method of operating a first terminal to provide a content gift to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a giveaway server: Sending a catalog request, comprising a terminal identifier of the second terminal, to the prize server to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal; Receiving the catalog; Selecting a content giveaway from the catalog; And Sending a giveaway request to the giveaway server requesting that the content giveaway be provided to the second terminal. 2. The method of claim 1, prior to sending the catalog request, And including security information in the catalog request so that the catalog request can be authenticated. The method of claim 1, wherein after sending the prize request: Requesting the first terminal to pay the costs associated with the content giveaway. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the catalog request comprises sending the catalog request to the giveaway server using a wireless network connection. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the catalog request comprises sending the catalog request to the prize server using a wired network connection. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selecting step includes selecting the content giveaway from the catalog, wherein the selected content giveaway is not previously owned by the second terminal. The method of claim 1, after sending the prize request, Receiving a notification message that the content prize was not delivered to the second terminal because the content is previously owned by the second terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second terminals is a wireless device. Apparatus for use in a first terminal to provide content prizes to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a giveaway server: A catalog request transmitter operable to send a catalog request, comprising a terminal identifier of the second terminal, to the prize server to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal; A catalog receiver operative to receive the catalog; Selection logic operative to select content premiums from the catalog; And And a prize request transmitter operative to send a prize request to a prize server requesting that the content prize be provided to the second terminal. The method of claim 9, And the catalog request transmitter further includes logic to include security information in the catalog request so that the catalog request can be authenticated. The method of claim 9, And the prize request transmitter further includes logic to request that the first terminal pay the costs associated with the content prize. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the catalog request transmitter comprises logic to send the catalog request to the prize server using a wireless network connection. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the catalog request transmitter comprises logic to send the catalog request to the prize server using a wired network connection. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the selection logic includes logic to select the content giveaway from the catalog, wherein the selected content giveaway is content not previously owned by the second terminal. The method of claim 9, And the prize request transmitter further includes logic to receive a notification message that the content prize was not delivered to the second terminal because the content was previously owned by the second terminal. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first and second terminals is a wireless device. Apparatus for use in a first terminal to provide content prizes to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a server: Means for sending a catalog request, including a terminal identifier of the second terminal, to the server to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal; Means for receiving the catalog; Means for selecting a content giveaway from the catalog; And Means for sending a giveaway request to the server requesting that the content giveaway be provided to the second terminal. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising means for including security information in the catalog request so that the catalog request can be authenticated. The method of claim 17, And means for requesting the first terminal to pay the costs associated with the content giveaway. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for sending the catalog request comprises means for sending the catalog request to the server using a wireless network connection. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for sending the catalog request comprises means for sending the catalog request to the server using a wired network connection. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for selecting includes means for selecting the content giveaway from the catalog, wherein the selected content giveaway is content not previously owned by the second terminal. The method of claim 17, Means for receiving a notification message that the content giveaway was not delivered to the second terminal because the content is previously owned by the second terminal. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first and second terminals is a wireless device. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions operative to provide a content giveaway to a second terminal when executed by a processor of a first terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a giveaway server: Instructions for sending a catalog request, including a terminal identifier of the second terminal, to the prize server to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal; Instructions for receiving the catalog; Instructions for selecting a content giveaway from the catalog; And Instructions for sending a giveaway request to the giveaway server requesting that the content giveaway be provided to the second terminal. 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, further comprising instructions for including security information in the catalog request so that the catalog request can be authenticated. The method of claim 25, And requesting the first terminal to pay for the costs associated with the content giveaway. 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the instructions for sending the catalog request include instructions for sending the catalog request to the prize server using a wireless network connection. 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the instructions for sending the catalog request include instructions for sending the catalog request to the prize server using a wired network connection. 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the selection instructions include instructions for selecting the content giveaway from the catalog, wherein the content giveaway is content not previously owned by the second terminal. The method of claim 25, And receiving a notification message that the content premium was not delivered to the second terminal because the content is previously owned by the second terminal. 27. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein at least one of the first and second terminals is a wireless device. A method of operating a server to cause a first terminal to offer content prizes to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with the server. Receiving a catalog request from the first terminal for a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal; Creating the catalog; Transmitting the catalog to the first terminal; Receiving a premium request from the first terminal requesting that a content premium selected from the catalog be provided to the second terminal; And Providing the content giveaway to the second terminal, wherein the generating comprises using a terminal identifier included in the catalog request to identify content compatible with the second terminal. The method of claim 33, wherein Receiving the catalog request further comprises authenticating the catalog request. delete 34. The method of claim 33, wherein said generating step: Generating the catalog such that the catalog identifies content compatible with the second terminal. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the transmitting step includes transmitting a catalog to the first terminal using a communication channel selected from channels including wired and wireless communication channels. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein receiving the prize request comprises receiving the prize request from the first terminal requesting that a content prize selected from the catalog be provided to the second terminal, wherein the content prize is Is content not currently owned by the second terminal. 34. The method of claim 33, prior to the step of providing the content giveaway to the second terminal, Determining whether the content giveaway is previously owned by the second terminal; And Sending a notification message to the first terminal indicating that the content giveaway has not been provided to the second terminal. 34. The method of claim 33, prior to receiving the prize request from the first terminal, Associating a cost of the content giveaway with the first terminal. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein providing the content giveaway comprises sending the content giveaway to the second terminal using a communication channel selected from channels including wired and wireless communication channels. . The method of claim 33, wherein At least one of the first and second terminals is a wireless device. An apparatus for operating a server to cause a first terminal to offer content prizes to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with a server. Means for receiving a catalog request from the first terminal for a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal; Means for generating the catalog; Means for transmitting the catalog to the first terminal; Means for receiving a premium request from the first terminal requesting that a content premium selected from the catalog be provided to the second terminal; And Means for providing the content giveaway to the second terminal, wherein the generating means further comprises means for using a terminal identifier included in the catalog request to identify content compatible with the second terminal. The method of claim 43, And the means for receiving the catalog request further comprises means for authenticating the catalog request. delete 44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said generating means is: And means for generating the catalog such that the catalog identifies content compatible with the second terminal. The method of claim 43, Said means for transmitting comprises means for transmitting said catalog to said first terminal using a communication channel selected from channels including wired and wireless communication channels. The method of claim 43, The means for receiving a giveaway request comprises means for receiving from the catalog the giveaway request requesting that the content giveaway be provided to the second terminal, the content giveaway not currently owned by the second terminal; Device, which is content. The method of claim 43, Means for determining whether the content giveaway is previously owned by the second terminal; And Means for sending a notification message to the first terminal indicating that the content giveaway has not been provided to the second terminal. 44. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising means for associating a cost of the content with the first terminal. 44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the means for providing the content giveaway comprises means for sending the content giveaway to the second terminal using a communication channel selected from channels including wired and wireless communication channels. . 44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein at least one of the first and second terminals is a wireless device. An apparatus for operating a server to cause a first terminal to offer content prizes to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with the server. A catalog request receiver for receiving a catalog request from the first terminal for a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal; A database for generating the catalog; A catalog transmitter for transmitting the catalog to the first terminal; A premium receiver which receives a premium request from the first terminal requesting that a content premium selected from the catalog is provided to the second terminal; And Logic for providing the content giveaway to the second terminal, wherein the database includes logic to use a terminal identifier included in the catalog request to identify content compatible with the second terminal. The method of claim 53 wherein And the catalog request receiver further comprises logic to authenticate the catalog request. delete The method of claim 53 wherein The database is: And logic for generating the catalog such that the catalog identifies content compatible with the second terminal. The method of claim 53 wherein And the catalog transmitter comprises logic to send the catalog to the first terminal using a communication channel selected from channels including wired and wireless communication channels. 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the prize request receiver comprises logic to receive the prize request to request a content prize from the catalog, wherein the content prize is content not currently owned by the second terminal. The method of claim 53 wherein Logic to determine whether the content giveaway is previously owned by the second terminal; And Logic for sending a notification message to the first terminal indicating that the content giveaway was not delivered to the second terminal. The method of claim 53 wherein The database further includes logic to associate costs of the content giveaway with the first terminal. 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the logic for providing the content giveaway comprises logic to send the content giveaway to the second terminal using a communication channel selected from channels including wired and wireless communication channels. . 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein at least one of the first and second terminals is a wireless device. A computer readable medium comprising instructions operative to cause a first terminal to offer a content premium to a second terminal when executed by a processor of the server, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with the server. : Instructions for receiving a catalog request from the first terminal for a catalog that identifies content compatible with the second terminal; Instructions for creating the catalog; Instructions for transmitting the catalog to the first terminal; Instructions for receiving a premium request from the first terminal requesting that a content premium selected from the catalog be provided to the second terminal; And Instructions for providing the content giveaway to the second terminal, the generating instructions including instructions using a terminal identifier included in the catalog request to identify content compatible with the second terminal. media. The method of claim 63, wherein And the instructions for receiving the catalog request further comprise instructions for authenticating the catalog request. delete 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the generating instructions are: And generating the catalog such that the catalog identifies content that is compatible with the second terminal. The method of claim 63, wherein The transfer instructions include instructions for transmitting the catalog to the first terminal using a communication channel selected from channels including wired and wireless communication channels. The method of claim 63, wherein The instructions for receiving a giveaway request include instructions for receiving the giveaway request for requesting the content giveaway from the catalog, wherein the content giveaway is content not currently owned by the second terminal. The method of claim 63, wherein Instructions for determining whether the content giveaway is previously owned by the second terminal; And And sending a notification message to the first terminal indicating that the content premium was not provided to the second terminal. The method of claim 63, wherein And instructions for associating a cost of the content premium with the first terminal. The method of claim 63, wherein And the instructions for providing the content giveaway include instructions for sending the content giveaway to the second terminal using a communication channel selected from channels including wired and wireless communication channels. The method of claim 63, wherein And at least one of the first and second terminals is a wireless device. A method of operating a first terminal to provide content prizes to a second terminal, wherein the first and second terminals selectively communicate with each other over a data network: Sending a catalog request to the second terminal to obtain a catalog identifying content compatible with the second terminal; Receiving the catalog; Selecting a content giveaway from the catalog; And Sending a prize request to a giveaway server, wherein the giveaway server provides the content giveaway to the second terminal. 74. The method of claim 73, prior to sending the catalog request, And including security information in the catalog request so that the catalog request can be authenticated. 74. The method of claim 73, wherein sending the catalog request comprises sending the catalog request using a wireless network connection. 74. The method of claim 73, wherein sending the catalog request comprises sending the catalog request using a wired network connection. 74. The method of claim 73, wherein the selecting step includes selecting the content giveaway from the catalog, wherein the selected content giveaway is not previously owned by the second terminal. 74. The method of claim 73 wherein at least one of the first and second terminals is a wireless device. 74. The method of claim 73, after selecting the content giveaway: Transmitting the content from the first terminal to the second terminal.

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